EU Cohesion policy: support measures for recovery and green and digital transition approved for Bulgaria, Finland, France and Lithuania

The Commission has approved the modification of four Operational Programmes (OPs) that will increase the funding available for investments from REACT-EU by nearly €562.5 million. The funds continue and extend the crisis response and repair measures delivered through the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative. The Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira said: “The resources that the four countries will receive will help them create a bridge towards long-term recovery. I encourage other countries to take advantage of the opportunities provided by REACT-EU to help ensure a fair and inclusive recovery as well as the green and digital transitions.” In Bulgaria, the amendment to the Regions in Growth Operational Programme will support long-term infrastructure changes, as well as investments in modern health care services. In Finland, the modification of the Sustainable Growth and Jobs Operational Programme will support research and innovation, SME resilience, and workers’ skills for the digital and green transition. Åland’s structural funds programme modification will target youth employment and SMEs. In France, the amendment of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Operational Programme will finance research & development projects related to the pandemic, invest in SMEs, ensure sustainable mobility, and boost the digital economy. In Lithuania, the changes to the Operational Programme for EU Funds will expand e-business models and invest in research and development of new anti-COVID 19 products. It will also provide better access to efficient and innovative healthcare and boost active labour market policy measures. As part of NextGenerationEU, REACT-EU provides a top-up of €47.5 billion (€50.5 billion in current prices) to Cohesion policy programmes in 2021 and 2022. Measures focus on supporting labour market resilience, jobs, SMEs and low-income families, as well as the green and digital transitions and a sustainable socio-economic recovery.